County Rejects Bid For Vote On Tax For Project

KISSIMMEE — A proposal seeking higher property taxes to finance children's services died Monday when Osceola County commissioners refused to take action to put the question on the ballot.

Dave Campbell, executive director of Mental Health Services, wanted to establish a Juvenile Welfare Board that would levy a half-mill property tax. Although Campbell said he was aware the proposal might be defeated by tax- weary voters, he had said he was certain the commissioners would allow the voters to decide the issue.

Commission chairman Bill Beck said there were concerns about the time frame because there would be little time to campaign for the issue, and that many of the members would be appointed rather than elected.

Beck had said earlier he didn't expect any resistance from the commissioners, but he said Tuesday ''we didn't have all the details then.''

The Legislature this year passed a law allowing counties to create the Juvenile Welfare boards, but left the decision about the boards' taxing powers to voters.

Campbell said the board could provide a range of services for youngsters in a county where children's services are marginal because of budget constraints. He estimated $1.5 million could be raised through the tax for services that now receive $12,500.